Lost a set of keys. :( My JKU key is the plain gray one. I called the dealer and he said it still has a chip in it. That true? Even these need programing? Here's a pic of my 2nd key.



- Blex

 

Yes. And you must have two good keys to reprogram one yourself. If not, be prepared to pay a lot extra to have the dealer make one for you.

 

Ugh. Just the 1 now. About $450 to replace/program the Jeep and Dart.

 

I had one programmed by a locksmith at substantial savings. Call around and see if there is one in your area with a dealer-type programmer.

 

Wow - have you checked with other dealers? I know they're not cheap, but that seems high by a couple hundred dollars...

 

Ron, did your locksmith program the key from a single copy of your original set? I'm told that may be a "clone".

Can you use the locksmith-key and the original key (that the locksmith used to make the copy) to program further keys?

Sometimes the locksmiths can make an exact copy (a clone) but with two exact copies (an original and it's clone) you can't program any further keys. You can make all the clones you want but lose the ability to use them to self-program other transponder blanks (But having any keys is better than not having keys!)

The way I understand it, a JK comes with two keys: key-0 and key-1.
From there the owner can program key-2. Then any combination of two can program key-3,..., up to key-9. (10 in total)

Example, key-2 and key-8 can be used to program key-9. Then you're done after ten copies exist. (Unless you make clones)

The difference in making a clone is that is the exact same key, not another key in the series of ten possible keys.

So a clone of key-4 is simply another key-4. You can't use two key-4s to make a key-5, etc.

Maybe cloning is the only way to make a copy from a single key. Or maybe dealers and well-equipped locksmiths have the technology.

 

The key the locksmith programmed isn't a clone. He used the dealer-type programmer to tell the wcm to recognize the additional key.
I haven't tried to program another key since then, so I don't know if it will work with the extra key.

I would think making a clone key would require the transponder in the new key to be reprogrammed to give off a different signal.
Can that be done?

 

i have used cloned keys to reprogram a new key. Just need two working keys does not matter if one is a replacement as long as it has been previously programed.

 

I agree. We used to hear about $150-175 for a key. It really is important to make a third key before that second key gets lost. Just makes life a little easier when the key is lost.

 

It depends what your looking for, I have two factory keys with remotes, my primary concern is getting locked out with the hardtop on and the keys in the Jeep

a locksmith made me a plain steel key that is good enough to open the doors/tailgate etc. for $1

with wranglers it's a pretty easy fix to get a rare earth magnet and stick a spare steel key under the hood.

rare earth magnets are at least 10x stronger than regular magnets, a regular magnet can become dislodged if you go off-road

matthew